"FAKE CANADIANS"...ERNIE ELS IN TORONTO...JIM'S DEAL OF THE DAY

I wrote last week about how Conde Nast Traveler magazine was touting a "new age" of American travel and how it seems Americans feel more confident overseas these days, thanks in part to President Barack Obama.

But the website Gadling had a pretty good rant on the subject from Sean McLachlan on the weekend. McLachlan, who I don't know, says he often stops folks with Maple Leaf flags on their backpacks to find out where they're from.

He says that "only about half turn out to be Canadian. The other half are American. No Brits, no Aussies, no Latvians. It seems the fake Canadians all come from south of the border."

"Are they illegal immigrants coming to steal our heath care and eat all our maple syrup? No, they're pretending to be Canadians because their guidebooks have told them they'll be safer in all those scary foreign countries."

McLachlan says it's a "stupid" move but also hypocritical in that Americans love to wave their flag, but then (some, anyway, apparently) want to hide behind ours when they're on the road. The trouble with this reasoning is that Americans who may hide behind the Canadian flag while roaming the streets of Singapore or Paris likely aren't the ones who display the red, white and blue on their front porch 365 days a year. The bedrock America-right-or-wrong types don't even carry passports, I suspect.

Anyway, it's an interesting talking point, and I'd LOVE to see some reaction from south of the border.

TIGER LOOKING VULNERABLE?

It was as stunning for the big boys as it was for us golf fans.

There was Tiger Woods on the 18th hole at the Barclays Tournament on Sunday, needing to make an eight foot putt or so to force a playoff. He always makes those putts. But not this time. Instead, Heath Slocum drained a 20-footer to win, putting Tiger in the second spot.

J.J. Henry, who's in the Toronto area today with Ernie Els for a charity event at Magna Golf Club (it's to benefit the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine), says he couldn't believe it.

"I was joking with Ernie on the way up here Sunday night," Henry told me this mornng by telephone. "Ernie sees Tiger hit it to eight feet and he thinks it's over; it's time to head to the parking lot." I thought he'd knock it in the middle and give it the fist pump and that would be all she wrote."

Henry says it's giving players a bit of confidence that they might be able to take on the seemingly indestructible Woods.

"It seems he can never miss and then sure enough he does. Maybe it gives us all a little bit of hope, if you will. No doubt. No question."

Els (photo at right) wasn't about to give the perceptive Mr. Woods anything he might take the wrong way.

"He's bound to miss one and eventually he misses one. But he's won five times this year and when he hasn't won he's usually in the top five. He's phenomenal. What Y.E. Yang did to win the PGA was incredible. Eventually somebody had to beat him down the stretch. We're all human at the end of the day."

Henry says he's excited about the idea of the Olympics taking up golf for the 2016 Summer Games. The IOC's executive board has okayed the idea of adding golf and rugby sevens, but the full IOC has to vote on it in October.

"If you can't get excited about representing your country and be part of something as special as the Olympic Games, I think you're doing the wrong thing," Henry said.

"I think it would be incredible for the game and good for the Olympics, too," Els agreed. "We're very clean. No scandals. We almost police ourselves in a way. The Olympics need us as much as we need them. They might need us more than we need them."

Els said majors will still be the huge draw for players, "but the Olympics might only come around once or twice in your career."

Els turns 40 on Oct. 17 and would be nearly 47 by the time the 2016 Games come around.

JIM'S DEAL OF THE DAY...MIAMI MAYFAIR

Keen negotiators will like the Let’s Make a Deal promotion at Florida’s Mayfair Hotel & Spa. Here’s how it works: you make an offer on a nightly rate through the Mayfair’s reservations department. They either accept that price, or counter with their own price. A bit of haggling here and there and both guest and hotel end up with a satisfying rate – that’s the idea anyway.

According to the Mayfair, you’ll have a better chance negotiating a lower room rate for weekday travel, when the hotel isn’t as busy. And depending on availability, the rate you negotiate may or may not apply to every night of your stay. The 179-suite Mayfair is in Coconut Grove, the hip Miami neighbourhood known for its thriving bar and restaurant scene. For your Monty Hall moment call the reservations department at (786) 220-7050. The deal is valid for travel through Oct. 1.

GOLF CRUISE???...SIGN ME UP!

Silversea Cruises says it's again hosting its Silver Links golf program, with 12 itineraries for 2010 aboard its Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper ships.

Golf is available at 30 courses in 15 countries in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S. Among courses available are Royal Melbourne, Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand, The Fairmont course in Acapulco and Royal Quebec.

Prices start at around $3,300 for a 10-day cruise. But how much fun would that be to cruise at night and play golf during the day?

For information, go to www.silversea.com

TROUBLES IN TOKYO

My son arrived at the airport in Bangkok on Sunday and was told his flight to Tokyo was cancelled because of a typhoon that's wreaking havoc on air travel in Japan. Today he was told he might not get out until Sept. 3 because so many people are trying to get their flights to Narita.

He said he's been put up at a hotel with several other Canadians who appear to be in the same situation.

I told him to smile and be nice to the folks on the ground at Bangkok Airport. In my experience, the front-line people take all the abuse when it's not their fault, so anyone who acts sympatethic and is polite usually gets better treatment. At least, I hope so.

UNDERWATER CAGE TO VIEW GREAT WHITE SHARKS? CHECK IT OUT...

Not in a million years.

Star reporter Emily Mathieu came to see me a while back and said she was going to South Africa. Could I use some travel stories?

Sure, I'm thinking. It's a popular spot. Great weather. Great wine. Great scenery. I have a nice, bucolic scene playing in my head when she suddenly adds a zinger.

"I'm going into a shark cage underwater and I want to take pictures of great whites."

So, I'm thinking, you're certifiably insane, Emily.

"Why?"

"I've always been interested in sharks."

Well, so am I. And I might be tempted to stay on a boat and try to see them leap from the water like they do on the Planet Earth DVD my daughter bought for me for Christmas. A really, really BIG boat. Like maybe a cruise ship. But in a cage, with little things floating in the water so 600 kilo beasts with teeth the size of a smart car will intentionally try to snatch you from behind the bars?

Uh, no.

Thankfully, we're not all this chicken. Emily arrived in South Africa the other day and went out on her first boat trip. She didn't get int the cage, but she did see some sharks. Check out her report at www.thestar.com/travel.

It's not for me, but I'm thrilled she's doing it.

AIR CANADA BOOST TO EUROPE

Twittered on this (tweeted on this?) earlier today, but Air Canada says that next summer and early fall they'll have non-stop service from Toronto to Barcelona and Toronto to Athens, as well as Montreal flights to both destinations.

Flights will be operated six days a week, subject to government approval: three times a week from Montreal and the same from Toronto.

The service is slated to run from June 3 to Oct. 18.

"Air Canada's new non-stop summer services to Athens and Barcelona from both Montreal and Toronto will offer customers even more convenient options for planning vacations and visiting friends and relatives on both sides of the Atlantic," said Ben Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. "Both Barcelona and Athens are important ports of call for cruise lines, and also provide convenient connections for flights to other popular destinations throughout Greece and Spain. With these additions to our 2010 summer schedule, we are continuing to strategically deploy capacity to meet seasonal demand."

Flights will be operated using 244-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft.

Athens is always great for sightseeing. There are some funky neighborhoods, and you can get to islands like Hydra in only a few minutes.

I haven't been to Barcelona for a long time but I love Gaudi and the public art. Not to mention the food.

 

CANADA HOTEL PRICES DIP...MORE SQUIRREL...MONSTER CRUISE SHIP

Hotwire.com is reporting some pretty healthy discounts at Canadian hotels, although not for Toronto.

The company says Quebec City prices for a four-star hotel dropped 21 per cent since last August, as have prices in Victoria. That's great for Torontonians as both are superb destinations and you can get there on sale with West Jet and Air Canada right now. Porter, of course, flies Toronto to Quebec City.

Hotwire says you can find a four-star Quebec hotel on their site for as little as $149, while the same in Victoria is going for $170.

In Vancouver, they say a 5-star hotel has dropped 20 per cent in the last year and that you can nab one right now for a remarkable $138.

Other price drops from August of last year to August of this year: Whistler 3.5-star 18%, Banff 4.5-star 17%, Montreal 4-star 12%, Calgary 4-star 12%, Windsor 3-star 10%, Niagara Falls 4-star 9% and Edmonton 4-star 8%.

Toronto prices fell by less than 8 per cent, the company said. Too bad for all the potential staycationers, but maybe good news for hoteliers.

On a related note, Bloomberg is reporting that some major hotel companies are letting their stars drop (rating stars) to presumably save on operating costs. Makes sense; why sprinkle rose petals in someone's Dom Perignon if folks can't make their mortgage payments?

The Bloomberg story says Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., which runs such brands as St. Rgis and W Hotels, as well as Westins and Sheratons, would let some of its properties drop a notch until the industry recovers. Hilton and Intercontinental already have cut the ratings for some locations, the story says.

Bloomberg quotes the co-chair of the company that owns the Four Seasons Toronto as saying the cuts are understandable, but there's no indication the Yorkville address will follow suit.

As much as companies might be cutting back, there still appear to be lots of folks willing to drop huge vats of cash. I was at a European property earlier this year where a guy was spending $15,000 a night on a penthouse suite for his family - FOR AN ENTIRE MONTH.

As much as you and I are affected by the recession, there are tons of people still burning through the cash. The Fairmont San Francisco issued a press release today to say their 6,000-square foot penthouse, valued at $20 million, is being renovated and will cost $15,000 U.S. a night. The suite has thre bedrooms, a living room with a grand piano, a dining room for 60 people, a kitchen, a "two-storey circular library crowned by a rotunda where a celestial map is rendered in gold leaf against a sapphire sky, a billiard room covered in Persian tile from floor to valuted ceiling and an expansive terrace with sweeping views of San Francisco."

There's also a secret passageway concealed behind bookshelves, but it doesn't say where it goes. Hopefully to the nearest ATM.

Just to be sure you're comfortable, you get a 24-hour butler, housekeepers, a chef, a masseuse and a personal trainer. Oh, and a Ferrari to drive down Lombard Street or over the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sign me up!

GOING SQUIRRELLY, PART DEUX

Yesterday I wrote about the squirrel that's gone viral on the web, that being the cute little publicity seeker from Banff who leapt in front of some American tourists' camera and had his photo snapped; thus causing a huge Internet sensation. The little rascal is popping up everywhere these days, and now I see he has his own twitter account under the name Banff_Squirrel.

Here's the photo, in case you missed yesterday's posting.

And here's some more squirley photos.

JIM'S DEAL OF THE DAY

Iceland has become a hot destination of late, with reasonable prices and an air of something different, and Icelandair wants to make a last-minute European getaway worth your while. The airline is offering round trip fares starting from $229 to London, Glasgow and Manchester, $277 to Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris, and $289 to Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm, as long as you book by Aug. 28, for travel Sept. 14 – 20. The travel window is extremely short, but that’s because Icelandair’s Toronto flights wrap up Sept. 20 – we’re a seasonal destination for the carrier. There’s a Saturday night stay requirement and tickets are non-refundable. For details see www.icelandair.ca and click on ’72 Hour Airfare Sale’.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN, IS THAT ALL YOU GOT?

Checked out Gene Sloan's cruise blog at USA Today today (I love writing that) and saw some pretty amazing pics of the new Royal Caribbean ship, the monster/behemoth, sorry, Oasis of the Seas.

"At 225,000 tons, Oasis is nearly 40% larger than the largest cruise vessels now afloat," Sloan reports, "allowing for such innovative features as an open-air atrium (see photo) with live trees called Central Park and a family-friendly amusement area called Boardwalk."

It's supposed to launch later this year. There was talk of a press preview in November. I might just check it out if time allows.

HONEY, I GOTTA GO COVER AN EVENT IN JAMAICA

Got a note today to say that Hedonism II, the adults-only spot down in Negril, Jamaica, is calling next month "Sensual September" and is "putting its reputation to the test by offering guests three ways to party."

Offerings include the 4th annual Penthouse Club Key Girl of the Year celebrations (Penthouse mag is still around?), September 13 – 18; the Miss North American Showgirl competition, September 21 – 28; and the Men of Dream contest, September 27 – October 4.

The third night is free on stays of three nights or more, with rates starting at $99 per person per night.

I'm busy in September. Damn.

 

GOING SQUIRRELLY...AMERICAN PRIDE...COBBLE BEACH GOLF DEAL...

I somehow missed this, but thanks to travel blogger Johnny Jet I am now reasonably up to date on the camera-loving squirrels of Canada.

My family is always amazed at the black squirrels when they come to Toronto. They think this is very funny, the squirrels in California being golden or brown. Anyway, I didn't know until today that a Minneapolis couple had made our little critters famous after a glamour-hogging squirrel, brown and white, as you can see by this hilarious photo, jumped in front of their camera while they were vacationing in Banff.

The photo has become an Internet sensation, to the point that there's actually a site where you can put in a picture (I can't believe I'm writing this) and add Bullwinkle's little buddy into your own photo (http://www.lutralutra.co.uk/squirrelizer). I couldn't get it to work but I'm sure my teenage son could do it in a jiffy, so give it a shot.

The Banff tourism people know a good thing when they see one, and you can go to www.banfflakelouise.com and find a video of the squirrel jumping into everything from rock concerts to weddings. Great stuff.

Two things occur to me late on a Wednesday night when I should be home sipping a nice glass of Cabernet. One: I took a photo of a grizzly bear near Banff last month and got no international acclaim. Two: It's a good thing I've got so many years of experience in journalism, cuz you don't want to tackle something as serious as a camera-mugging squirrel without plenty of practice.

AMERICAN TRAVEL ON THE RISE?

Really fascinating editorial in the September Conde Nast Traveler magazine, the one with the gorgeous photo of Queen Rania of Jordan on the cover if you want to find it.

Editor in Chief Klara Glowczewska writes about how Americans have always been divided by their love of their homes and a desire to remake the world in the image of home, and amen to that.

She goes on to make the argument that a new chapter may be unfolding and that more and more Americans "seem to be circulating throughout the globe with an ebullience, a sophistication, and a freedom of spirit that could well mark a New Age of American Travel."

Glowczewska says a recent poll by CNT found 84 per cent of respondents agreed that the "potential for new and different cultural experience" was highly important in choosing where to travel now.

Too bad for us, of course, as most Americans (those few of them with passports) don't think of us as all that culturally different. Not even folks in Barrie.

She makes the point that the Obama family's flair and globe-trotting may be helping, and it seems obvious that the new president down south has had a mellowing effect on the world's opinion of Americans. Being American-born myself (but a Toronto resident for 28 years and a Canadian citizen for almost a decade, I'm proud to say), I get the feeling that Americans are a little less reluctant to mention their birthplace while travelling overseas these days.

But it's a hard thing to measure. We know they've cottoned onto Tim Hortons, but are American sales of little Canadian flags for knapsacks on the decline? We all hear stories that some Yanks in days of yore (or maybe anytime when Dubya was stomping about the oval office) opted to use the maple leaf as a sort of protective, defensive shield, but how many really did that? There's no way to count.

Agree with her or not, Glowczewska's column is food for thought.

COBBLE BEACH ON SALE

Cobble Beach, a fabulous Doug Carrick layout a few minutes north of Owen Sound (see photo), has a fall stay and play package. In September, you can stay Sunday through Wednesday and get a night in one of their 10 suites, plus a round of golf. In October, it drops to $159.

Rates are based on double occupancy and taxes are extra. Carts are included, plus use of the practice range and a day-locker. For more information, go to www.cobblebeachgolflinks.com.

WATERLOO DOORS OPEN

Folks may know about Doors Open Toronto. Turns out they've got a similar, free architecture and heritage tour in Waterloo Region. The event goes Sat., Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can make it an easy day trip and check out such spots as the Knox United Church or Christ Anglican Church in Ayr, or the New Dundee Public School, built in 1928.

For information, go to www.region.waterloo.on.ca/doorsopen.

JIM'S DEAL OF THE DAY

Active Journey’s Deluxe Bike Boat Tour in Provence is a bike-by-day, barge-by-night vacation through truly beautiful country. Starting in the walled city of Aigues-Mortes, the barge winds its way to Gallician, Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and finally to Avignon. Along the way, there are Provencal meals prepared by a French chef, select wines and daily bike rides with picnic lunches. This is no Tour de France, but you’ll want to be a least a “fit beginner” on a bike, as distances range from 30 to 50 kilometres per day, according to the company. Bike rentals are included in the price and the terrain is generally flat, along back roads and trails. The Oct. 25 – 31 departure is going for $2,650 per person, well down from the normal $3,990 price tag. Active Journeys can be reached at info@activejourneys.com or call 416-236-5011.

Oh, and check Saturday's Star travel section for a story on Provence.

 

CERTIFIED FRANCE TRAVEL EXPERTS, AIRLINE WOES, JIM'S DEAL OF DAY

They're not the first country to do it. But that doesn't make the French any less clever for instituting a program to certify travel agents in Canada and other countries as France experts.

Agents have to learn all sorts of general information on French regions and the diversity of the country, as well as specialty areas such as culture and art. Once certified, they earn a, well, certificate and have their names listed for the public to see. So far, 35 agents in Canada have been certified as France experts, 32 in Quebec and three in Ontario.

"We'd like to do more by the year-end but we don't want too many," said Caroline Putnoki, Director for Canada for Atout France - the France Tourism Development Agency.

As I devoured a plate of Basquez Chicken (lovely and tender, in a broth with tomatoes, olives, spices and half a hard-boiled egg) at Biff's Bistro on Front Street, I couldn't resist asking Putnoki if there would be a test for the reporters on hand at Monday's lunch. Naturally, she took the bait.

"Okay," she said. "Where is Clermont-Ferrand?"

Having spent years thumbing through atlases, I was able to mumble something about central France and was feeling slightly smug, although I couldn't say EXACTLY where it was in central France. (West of Lyon, if you care). Putnoki quickly punctured the balloon by asking what department or region it was in. Not a clue, and that's what I get for being a smart aleck.

As for the department, it's Puy-de-Dôme department, in the Auvergne region. Turns out there are tons of old volcanoes in the area. I had no idea.

The web site for general France travel is www.franceguide.com. Travel agents can go to www.francetraining.ca for information.

RECOVERY? MAYBE NOT JUST YET

Couldn't help but notice three airline stories in today's business section of the Star. Chris Sorensen had a piece on West Jet delaying delivery of planes from Boeing. On the same page today is a story on how British Airways PLC might see revenue fall by $1.77 billion this year and how Japan Airlines might have to lay off 5,000 folks.

Which leads me to suggest all this talk about an economic recovery is just a tad premature, at least in the travel biz.

JIM'S DEAL OF THE DAY

Choose your savings at Marina Inn at Grande Dunes, with the new ‘Fall into Autumn’ promotion. The South Carolina resort has a $149 (U.S.) room rate available through Nov. 22, along with a choice of six bonus offers, all free of charge: full breakfast for two; a suite upgrade with private terrace, king bed and full kitchen; golf for two at championship course Arcadian Shores; two tickets to the Carolina Opry; two tickets to Brookgreen Gardens; or 50 per cent off your second night’s stay. The $149 rate is per night and based on a two night stay, double occupancy. Bookings must be made by Sept. 30 to qualify. See www.marinainnatgrandedunes.com. Don't forget the great golf in that part of the world.

OLYMPIC DEFENSE WOES

Great piece in today's Star - www.thestar.com - by reporter Allan Woods on how holding the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010 could strain Canada's armed forces. We also have to worry about the G8 Summit in Huntsville, Ontario next year. And there's the continuing morass in Afghanistan, which shows no signs of abating.

Defence officials said in a memo that Canada might have to outsource military work in Afghanistan and pull soldiers from low-profile foreign missions to relieve the pressure of fighting in Kandahar, guarding the 2010 Olympics and protecting world leaders in Muskoka.

CRUISING FOR CASH

I had no idea they made that kind of money. Writing in his blog at USA Today, Gene Sloan reported that pilots who guide ships in and out of Galveston are pulling in $300,00-plus a year. That's even more than most travel journalists. (Note to Revenue Canada; I'm kidding).

MAGAZINE READS - IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

There's some great stuff on the travel newsstands this month. Check thestar.com/travel for my latest review of travel magazines. There's stuff on tourism in Haiti, as well as a look at a Conde Nast Traveler column on surging American pride overseas.

Interesting reading.

 

 

CRUISING IN VANCOUVER 2010...JIM'S DEAL OF THE DAY

I'm already booked for a downtown hotel at the Olympics in Vancouver next February, so I haven't been looking at costs or availability. But a lot of folks have asked me about places to stay and what's for rent that month.

Which brings up a note I got the other day from Expedia, which announce a partnership with Newwest Special Projects LP that will allow Canadians to book rooms on the Norwegian Star, which will be docked in Vancouver for February and March.

The ship will dock on Vancouver's north shore, across from Stanley Park. It's close to downtown and the views of the city skyline should be superb.

Arrivals are allowed Feb. 10, 13, 16, 20, 24 and 27. Departures can take place Feb. 13, 16, 20, 24, 27 and March 2.

Rooms can be booked starting at $769 Cdn. per night based on double occupancy, which is pretty darned high but does include all meals (from main restaurants and room service). I suggest you take advantage of the food if you want to come close to making this deal work.

Interesting to read the news about finances out Vancouver way. Seems the Olympic organizing team feels the International Olympic Committee owes them $30 million in sponsorship money. The IOC insists that's not true.

It's a considerable amount of money in tough economic times, and it'll be interesting to see what organizers do if they can't get a cash infusion from the good folks in Lausanne, where the IOC has its stunning, marble headquarters.

Also interesting to read comments about how Canadian defense types are worried about the strain from our nation's Afghanistan mission on top of the Olympics and the coming G8 Summit in Huntsville next June.

KRAZY FOR KRISPY KREME?

They still selling those down south of the border? I remember Krispy Kreme coming to Canada as a big deal. They were pretty good but a little greasy, as I recall. My wife sat on once on a driving trip to Florida and it made a mess.

There was one near Yorkdale but I think it closed. Not sure of other toronto locations, but a friend tells me there's one in Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Tim Hortons recently opened up 13 outlets or so in New York City. Tim's doughnuts aren't what they used to be but they're still pretty good; especially the toasted coconut.

Anyway, the reason this gets mentioned on a travel blog is that Air Asia has announced they'll sell Krispy Kreme donuts. According to USA Today blogger Ben Mutzabaugh, sales will start Sept. 1.

One more reason to make that first trip to Shanghai or Singapore, I guess.

 

JIM'S DEAL OF THE DAY

 

Newfoundland is on sale – or is that sail? – with Canadian Sailing Expeditions. Starting from Corner Brook on the 245-foot Caledonia, the seven day journey includes Gros Morne Mountain, home to one of the province’s most extensive trail systems, and whale watching for humpback, minke and pilot whales. Newfoundland’s rugged west coast, known for its fjords, jagged headlands and offshore islands, was charted by Captain James Cook in 1767 and as CSE says, “not much has changed since then”. On board meals feature local specialties like snow crab, moose, caribou and wild berries, plus there’s plenty of opportunity to experience Newfoundland’s famous hospitality with evenings in Goose Arm, Lark Harbour and Cow Head. The Aug. 30 departure, returning to Corner Brook Sept. 5, is going for $1,300 per person, a savings of $1,040 per person off the regular rate. This price includes accommodation in a double cabin (single beds, bunk-bed style), all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, guest lectures and use of the ship’s equipment including mountain bikes and sea kayaks. For details call 1-877-429-9463 or e-mail info@canadiansailingexpeditions.com. The company’s web site is www.canadiansailingexpeditions.com.

I've attached a picture I snapped of Newfoundland a couple years ago, looking toward Cape Spear from the St. John's Harbour. A wonderful, wonderful place, Newfoundland.

 

BAHAMA CHANGEOVER

 

Sandals Resorts International has acquired a third property in The Bahamas. According to a story on travelmole.com, t

he 500-acre former Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay was purchased or an undisclosed sum.

 

The property shut three months ago and was in the hands of receivers, PricewaterhouseCoopers.

 

"It will be called Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas when it re-opens on January 22, 2010 following the addition of swimming pools and more dining options," travelmole reported. "The property already includes a championship 18-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course (Sign me up!) and a marina.

 

Sandals founder Butch Stewart said the company was acquiring “one of the most spectacular pieces of real estate in the Caribbean”

 

CANADIAN MINISTER'S TRIP... JIM'S DAILY DEAL IS HAWAII

Diane Ablonczy,Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism, recently finished a motorhome tour of Canada, travelling from Ottawa to Calgary to promote "staycations" in Canada.

She and her husband, Ron, piloted a 34-foot motorhome and had a great time checking out all sorts of places. The minister said she loved Kakabeka Falls near Thunder Bay ("quite amazing") , as well as Manitou Lake in Saskatchewan ("it has the same mineral content as the Dead Sea, which is a huge spa and health destination."

Ablonczy said it was a wonderful experience that drove home the importance of promoting Canadian tourism.

"Tourism contributes as much to our economy as forestry, plus fisheries, plus agriculture combined."

She said the federal government has doubled tourism spending and is committed to growing tourism in Canada.

JIM'S DEAL OF THE DAY

ASTON HOTELS & RESORTS, HAWAII

www.astonhotels.com

Aston is one of the biggest names in Hawaii hotels, with 25 properties on Oahu, Maui (a personal fave), Kauai and Hawaii (AKA the Big Island). Every one of those properties is taking part in the ‘Fall for Aston’ promotion, with discounts worth up to 45 per cent off seasonal rates. Travel must be completed by Dec. 21. At the Aston Kaanapali Shores on Maui, a studio with kitchen is going for $140 (U.S.) per night. If you need more space, Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages on Kauai has one-bedroom garden view cottages (just like home, with a full kitchen and front porch) for $164. Aston has more than 4,300 rooms across Hawaii, and with this promotion rates range from $83 to $296 per night.

It's Hawaii's 50th anniversary as a U.S. state today. Readers of the Star will know we had a dual feature on Waikiki Beach in yesterday's Travel section.

I love Maui, and the Aston Kaanapali Shores is on one of the best beaches around; long walks, great sunsets, snorkeling and body-surfing, shopping at Whalers Village and lots of things to do for folks of all ages. But all the islands are terrific. Hawaii is a place that's exotic yet easy to handle, with great medical care and no hassles from vendors on the beach like you might get in some places. The weather and food are awesome, the beaches incredible and the golf is outstanding.

SLEEPING AND SEX

Still enjoying that Westin study that found Canadians are the ONLY folks on the planet who'd rather have a great night of sex than a great night of sleep. The study found 52 per cent of us feel that way. Every other country put sleep ahead of sex, which shows that maybe the Canadian Tourism Commission needs to rethink its advertising campaign.

To heck with Mounties, we're clearly all about mounting (sorry about that).

For more on the study, check my previous blog posting. There's a ton of interesting findings about vibrating, buzzing things that keep us awake at night. And by that I mean Blackberries.

ORLANDO ON THE MOVE

Orlando is hardly lacking in accomodation, but officials tell me they're adding another 3,000 beds in the near future. There's a new Hilton coming at the remarkable convention centre, as well as the first Waldorf-Astoria outside New York.

Next year the Harry Potter ride/experience is slated to open at Universal, as well.

They also have a new performing arts centre coming on line and a new home for the Orlando Magic. They're counting on former Raptor Vince Carter to give them a boost. He's soft, but having "superman" Dwight Howard in the lineup could help Carter immensely.

NIAGARA FALLS GOLF SPECIAL

The HIlton Hotel and Suites Niagara Falls Fallsview, billed as Canada's tallest hotel tower, has launched a 'stay and play' package that includes golf at one of six Niagara courses. It's one-stop shopping and you can book two rounds of golf, plus accomodations in a two-room suite and breakfast.

Included in the deal are Legends (great courses by great designers), Whirlpool (a classic Stanley Thompson design), Grand Niagara, John Daly's Thundering Waters (lots of fun) and Royal Niagara. Packages start at $169 per person for a round of golf plus a night's accomodation, or $219 for two rounds of golf and a night at the hotel.

Go to www.nfhiltongolf.com for information.

 

 

MORE SEX, WE'RE CANADIANS...JIM'S DAILY TRAVEL DEAL DEBUTS

This oughta put our reputation as a boring nation to rest.

Westin Hotels recently had a firm named Study Logic do a survey for them on sleep habits; a pretty important topic if you own a gazillion hotel beds around the world. There's some pretty cool stuff about wanting to pay more for good beds and how much sleep people like to get, but we want to hear about the sex, don't we? Especially since Canadians appear to be about the randiest folks around.

The survey found that 51 per cent of Americans felt they'd rather have a night of great sleep than great sex. Similar results were found for all other countries. But 52 per cent of Canadians, and this is something we should be proud about, said they'd rather have great sex than a few extra z's (or is it zed's?).

Canadians were the ONLY ONES who said they'd take the roll in the hay over the extra sleep!

Take that, all you foreigners who come here for pine trees and mountains and moose. You've had us wrong all along.

Actually, the entire study was pretty interesting. Here are some of the other highlights from a worldwide perspective:

- 53 per cent of folks said they'd rather have a sleeping pill on their pillow instead of a chocolate. (This is understandable, but I can smell a pretty big lawsuit if Westin started substituting Nytol for Hershey's kisses.)

- 60 per cent said their Blackberries or other personal digital assistant thingys have prevented them from getting enough shut eye. (I'm surprised it's not more, actually.)

- 21 per cent of folks said they'd spend $100 or more for a good night's sleep. The same percentage said they'd pay $25 to $50. Twenty four per cent said they wouldn't pay a nickel for more sleep, which I can't believe (or maybe they just drop off and never wake up three times a night like some us with jobs).

- The most common dreams reported were being naked in front of a crowd or falling. (I think I once dreamt about falling naked in front of a crowd, which makes me really problematic, doesn't it?). Being naked in front of other folks was the most common dream for males, while women said it was falling, which I find interesting. Also thought-provoking is a finding that said executives under 35 more commonly dreamt about falling, while executives over 35 worried more about being naked. Given the average waistline of the over 35-set (at least for me), I can see why they'd prefer the fall.

- 26 per cent said they sleep in pajamas in a hotel (probably the ones who want more sleep), while 21 per cent sleep in the buff.

It's not surprising that more men than women thought great sex trumped great sleep. Duh. But the numbers might surprise you. 47 per cent of women said they'd take the sex over great sleep, so that's gotta be encouraging to heterosexual males. On the men's side, 55 per cent said they'd prefer great sex to a great night's sleep, and women might find that number surprisingly low. I'd have thought 70-30, at least.

Apparently, we're not getting the sleep we used to. Or perhaps we're getting more sex than we need, which I doubt. But a decade ago, as few as 31 per cent of people said they'd prefer a good night's sleep to a good night of sex, compared to 51 per cent in the latest study.

Great stuff, ain't it?

JIM'S DAILY DEAL

This marks the official debut of my daily travel deal feature. Every day, the Internet gods willing, of course, I'll post a new deal of the day. We'll move it around in terms of locations and types of attractions. One day (like today) it might be a family trip to Orlando. Another day it might be an adults spot in Fiji or Paris. But we'll aim to come up with a different deal you can check out every day. Hope you enjoy it.

‘Mutants, monsters and maniacs’ arrive at Universal Orlando this fall for a month’s worth of Halloween haunts. And the Rosen Plaza, located right in the heart of theme park alley on International Drive, is ready. Starting Sept. 25 for the kick-off of Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights, Rosen Plaza is offering a special rate of $99 ( U.S.) for the first night’s accommodation and $69 for any additional nights. This rate is available Sept. 25 and 26 and Oct. 4, 15 – 18, 22 – 24 and 28 – 31. Tickets to the Halloween event are extra and can be arranged through the Rosen Plaza’s front desk.

WEST JET DEAL...ALSO AIR CANADA/PORTER MOVES

The deal runs out Aug. 20 at midnight Mountain Standard Time, but West Jet has a cool deal going on where you can save 20 per cent on US and Canadian bookings if you use the promo code TWEET2. The deal wasn't advertised in the papers but only on social networks like Twitter.

I haven't seen anything similar from Air Canada, but they did have a bunch of ads in the papers showing some pretty solid deals for trips to Europe, Australia and other locales. Some trips can be booked for early 2010, so check the ads.

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that Porter Airlines has begun serving 500 ml (hoo boy) cans of Steam Whistle Premium Pilsener as part of their complimentary onboard menu. That beats the heck out of paying $5 or whatever it is these days for a standard-sized Molson or Labatt's beer on other airlines, so good for them.

As I recall, Toronto Mayor David Miller's a big fan of Steam Whistle, having held his victory party there when he was first elected several years ago. Miller, of course, is a staunch opponent of the Toronto island airport, which is where Porter flies out of. And, of course, into.

 

SEX OR SLEEP? AMERICANS WANT SLEEP - CANADIANS WANT SEX!

This oughta put our reputation as a boring nation to rest.

Westin Hotels recently had a firm named Study Logic do a survey for them on sleep habits; a pretty important topic if you own a gazillion hotel beds around the world. There's some pretty cool stuff about wanting to pay more for good beds and how much sleep people like to get, but we want to hear about the sex, don't we? Especially since Canadians appear to be about the randiest folks around.

The survey found that 51 per cent of Americans felt they'd rather have a night of great sleep than great sex. Similar results were found for all other countries. But 52 per cent of Canadians, and this is something we should be proud about, said they'd rather have great sex than a few extra z's (or is it zed's?).

Canadians were the ONLY ONES who said they'd take the roll in the hay over the extra sleep!

Take that, all you foreigners who come here for pine trees and mountains and moose. You've had us wrong all along.

Actually, the entire study was pretty interesting. Here are some of the other highlights from a worldwide perspective:

- 53 per cent of folks said they'd rather have a sleeping pill on their pillow instead of a chocolate. (This is understandable, but I can smell a pretty big lawsuit if Westin started substituting Nytol for Hershey's kisses.)

- 60 per cent said their Blackberries or other personal digital assistant thingys have prevented them from getting enough shut eye. (I'm surprised it's not more, actually.)

- 21 per cent of folks said they'd spend $100 or more for a good night's sleep. The same percentage said they'd pay $25 to $50. Twenty four per cent said they wouldn't pay a nickel for more sleep, which I can't believe (or maybe they just drop off and never wake up three times a night like some us with jobs).

- The most common dreams reported were being naked in front of a crowd or falling. (I think I once dreamt about falling naked in front of a crowd, which makes me really problematic, doesn't it?). Being naked in front of other folks was the most common dream for males, while women said it was falling, which I find interesting. Also thought-provoking is a finding that said executives under 35 more commonly dreamt about falling, while executives over 35 worried more about being naked. Given the average waistline of the over 35-set (at least for me), I can see why they'd prefer the fall.

- 26 per cent said they sleep in pajamas in a hotel (probably the ones who want more sleep), while 21 per cent sleep in the buff.

It's not surprising that more men than women thought great sex trumped great sleep. Duh. But the numbers might surprise you. 47 per cent of women said they'd take the sex over great sleep, so that's gotta be encouraging to heterosexual males. On the men's side, 55 per cent said they'd prefer great sex to a great night's sleep, and women might find that number surprisingly low. I'd have thought 70-30, at least.

Apparently, we're not getting the sleep we used to. Or perhaps we're getting more sex than we need, which I doubt. But a decade ago, as few as 31 per cent of people said they'd prefer a good night's sleep to a good night of sex, compared to 51 per cent in the latest study.

Great stuff, ain't it?

WEST JET DEAL...ALSO AIR CANADA/PORTER MOVES

The deal runs out Aug. 20 at midnight Mountain Standard Time, but West Jet has a cool deal going on where you can save 20 per cent on US and Canadian bookings if you use the promo code TWEET2. The deal wasn't advertised in the papers but only on social networks like Twitter.

Good idea, folks.

I haven't seen anything similar from Air Canada, but they did have a bunch of ads in the papers showing some pretty solid deals for trips to Europe, Australia and other locales. Some trips can be booked for early 2010, so check the ads.

Finally, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that Porter Airlines has begun serving 500 ml (hoo boy) cans of Steam Whistle Premium Pilsener as part of their complimentary onboard menu. That beats the heck out of paying $5 or whatever it is these days for a standard-sized Molson or Labatt's beer on other airlines, so good for them.

As I recall, Toronto Mayor David Miller's a big fan of Steam Whistle, having held his victory party there when he was first elected several years ago. Miller, of course, is a staunch opponent of the Toronto island airport, which is where Porter flies out of. And, oddly enough, into.

$599 ALL YOU CAN FLY JET BLUE DEAL; HELLO BUFFALO AIRPORT!

There's been a lot of fuss down south of the border about Jet Blue's remarkable $599 deal, which allows folks to take an unlimited number of flights for an entire month for $599 (American dollars; not that that's a big deal for Canadians these days).

There are, naturally, a couple catches. Most notably, the deal is good only for a particular 30-day period; Sept. 8 to Oct. 8. This is a killer/slow time for American airlines, the dead-zone between Labour Day and November's busy Thanksgiving period. So it makes sense to put some bums in seats.

Tickets must be booked at least three days prior to departure, and any changes involve a $100 fee. Flights are available, of course, only where there's space available.

There are no fees for U.S. destinations but there are fees tacked on if you want to leave the U.S. or go to Puerto Rico. Still, it's pretty cool.

USA Today's Ben Mutzabaugh was on CBS' early show the other day talking about how the airline probably will break even due to increased traffic. He noted that there was something like an 800 per cent increase in traffic on the company's website, www.jetblue.com.

Because Jet Blue often sells tickets for $99 to good locations, the deal might not be as wonderful as it seems. Still, $99 is $99, and if you've got time to fly three or four or more times in the 30-day period it could be quite the steal.

For us here in Toronto, the best option is to make the trip to Buffalo Niagara International, where you can then connect to flights to California, Florida, New York City, New Orleans, Las Vegas and many other attractive destinations.

I gotta admit I didn't know anything about it, but Laura Bly from USA Today (she's hoping to be in town this weekend so if you see her, be nice) told me you can go to a site called www.megabus.com and order a ticket from downtown Toronto to Buffalo's airport for $18 U.S. When I checked, some buses were going for as little as $9 or $11, which is a quarter or a third of the price of a taxi ride from downtown Toronto to Pearson, where you'd never find a $599, one-month package.

The Jet Blue deal is only valid until Aug. 21, or WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. So make haste.

MAPLE MARTINIS DOWN EAST

We may be cold as hell (personality wise) in Toronto, or so Coors Light would have us believe in their good-natured beer ads out west, but they're warming up nicely in New Brunswick. The Blue Door Restaurant and Bar in Fredericton is serving up something called the Absolut New Brunswick, which has local maple syrup and apple juice, plus Absolut and Absolut Citron vodkas, topped with a splash of ginger syrup and a garnish (uh, not sure about this one) of pickled New Brunswick fiddleheads.

Whatever happened to an old-fashioned drink like, um, an old-fashioned? Oh, right, Don Draper guzzles them every day on Mad Men. Tried one the other night. Not bad, but I don't think I did it quite right. I think I like Betty's vodka gimlet a little more, so thanks to Toronto Star drinks guru (isn't that a great title) Linda Barnard for the recipe on the weekend.

THE ROSSEAU...FINISHING TOUCHES COMPLETE

Had a chance to check out The Rosseau, A JW Marriott Resort and Spa, a while back. It was spectactular, but they were still putting some things together.

Got a press release today, however. to say the new wing of rooms and suites down near the shore is finished and that the extra pool, also closer to Lake Rosseau than the pool that was open in July, also is now available. There's also a poolside bistro, and the docks and waterfront have been finished, officials said.

Summer rates start at $239, and they also have Ontario getaway packages. For information, go to www.jwrosseau.com or call 1-866-240-8605.